Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i's School Year Wraps Up 🌻
Happy summer and happy Pride! 🌈
Recognition, respect, and support for winkte, winyan bloka, and two spirit relatives has always been a part of our spirituality, history, and culture. All our relatives – no matter how they identify – deserve to be respected, loved, and honored.
Being secure in one’s identity is essential for people to thrive. For generations, society and systems told us that being Native was to be less than. At Siċaŋġu Co, we are changing this narrative and placing our Lakota identity and the core of what we do and how we do it. Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i is a critical aspect of work.
Ending the School Year with Adventure, Laughs, and Lots of Fun 🌄
Two young girls in purple and gold dresses trimmed with multi-colored ribbons, one with a skirt lined with gold jingles are dancing with each other, one spinning the other. Behind them you can see two older teachers also dancing with each other
a teacher with long straight brown hair, a black shirt and a long rainbow ribbon skirt stands holding a microphone and standing next to three students, all of whom are holding their graduation certificates
The end of the school year is always a busy time, and this past month was no exception. Each class took its own field trip, we had field day at the Mission City Park, and everyone came together for an end-of-year ceremony on the last day of school.
For the last few years, we ended the year by taking students and families to various sacred sites in He Sapa (the Black Hills). But this year, we decided to change things up and take each class somewhere of their own choosing. Instead of multiple days, we would go for a single day during the school week. This meant that more students could attend the trip and it lessened the amount of work for our teachers during a very busy time of year.
a line of presentation boards on a table in front of a bright window, sunshine lighting up the wall behind. A couple students are standing behind the boards presenting their topics, and a line of family members stand in front of them reading the boards
a young girl wearing a black, green, white, and pink ribbon skirt embroidered with greenery and flowers dances in front of a drum group with a long-fringed hot pink shawl
Each grade chose where they got to visit this year. Kindergarten and 2nd graders went to Pierre, 1st graders traveled to Devil’s Tower, and 3rd-5th grades went to Hot Springs and Crazy Horse monument. Students went with their teachers and Lakota Educators so they could learn about the history, culture, science, and significance of the places they visited.
For some of our students, this represents the first chance to visit these places. Even for those who have gone before, this may have been the first time learning about the connection between the place and our people. This deep connection to the land is a big part of who we are. Seeing our students connect to Devil’s Tower or Crazy Horse is the reason why we do what we do – why we are fostering the next generation of Siċaŋġu leaders and revitalizing the Lakota language.
a close up shot of embroidered satin Star Quilts in green, black and white. Embroidered with the text, “Wakanyeja Ki tokeyachi Lakota Language Founding Student 2026” and laying on chairs also holding white sage and a buffalo robe
shot over the top of a presentation board, an older woman leans down to read and listen to a young boy standing in front of his presentation board
On May 19th, Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i hosted Field Day. This is an annual event that gets our students and staff outside, running around, playing games, laughing, and just having fun together. This year, we collaborated with some community organizations to lead activities. Wiconi Wakan made pine cone crafts and bracelets, the Diabetes Prevention Program led some games, the Health Initiative led some stretching while the Food Sovereignty team brought some seeds and plants for the kids to learn about. It really does take a village. Outside of those, we had some kickball games and delicious, healthy snacks. Overall, it was a fun day of creative expression and hands-on learning.
a tall man with long dark hair tied up in two braids stands next to a line of 6 students, all of whom are wrapped in white green and black star quilts. They all stand in front of a wall decorated with balloons, banners, and tassels and a large poster that reads “Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyachi Wounspe Oti”
Finally, we’re so excited to share a bit about our Moving On Ceremony and 5th grade graduation! 🧑🏽🎓
The Moving On Ceremony included all Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i students, staff members, and families. Community members were also welcome to attend. This event recognizes and celebrates student growth, their accomplishments, and the completion of the school year.
Students’ passion projects were displayed, and students participated in song and dance. It’s not often that everyone gathers, which makes the Moving On Ceremony much more special.
When we first opened our (virtual) doors in August 2020, we dreamed of the day that the inaugural class would graduate from 5th grade. We weren’t sure where they would go after – whether we’d be opening a middle school or whether they’d be entering the public middle school. But we hoped and prayed that they would graduate 5th grade proud and confident.
And our hopes and prayers have been answered. All fifth-grade graduates are from that very first kindergarten class. All of them speak Lakota confidently. They are good relatives; we see this in how they mentor the younger students and in how they carry themselves both inside and outside of the classroom. We are so proud of who they have become and who they have yet to become.
Which leads us to our next big and exciting announcement – we are opening a 6th grade classroom next year! After a lot of listening and discussions with our students and their families, it became clear that Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i expanding to middle school is both wanted and needed.
3 boys dressed in blue, white, and gold regalia trimmed with long ribbons, headbands, and bells walk in a line, one behind the other
a teacher with long brown hair, glasses, wearing a silver shirt with an embroidered ribbon skirt in blue, brown, green, and white leans down and hugs a young girl holding a graduation certificate.
In Lakota, the word for children – Wak̇aŋyeja – literally means “sacred little ones.” We take that meaning to heart. We view Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i as a sacred space where our kids can grow and thrive. We know that our students are future leaders and warriors, unafraid to challenge the status quo and lead our people on a path that centers and uplifts our Lakota values while leading the way for other indigenous communities to follow suit.
Wopila (thank you) to all our supporters and believers. Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i has been a dream come true for us. We hope you and (if you have them) your little ones have a fun and safe summer break!